Digital Commons Network^™

A Systematic Study Of The Effects Of Naphthalene And Anthracene Substitution On The Properties Of Ppv Derivative Conjugated Systems, Patrick Lynch, Luke O'Neill, David Bradley, Hugh Byrne, Mary Mcnamara

Articles

The systematic synthesis of poly(phenylvinylene) (PPV) derivatives by the Wittig-Horner reaction is reported. The phenyl units of the PPV structure are methodically substituted by naphthyl and anthryl units to form a homologous series of structures. The 2,6 attachment of the vinylene linkage on the anthryl ring provides novel structures that have not been reported before due to their synthetic inaccessibility. The introduction of naphthyl units results in a hypsochromatic shift in the absorption and emission spectra, while the introduction of anthryl units leads to a bathochromatic shift relative to the naphthalene structures. The observed structural variation of the spectroscopic properties …

Some Transitivity Results For Torsion Abelian Groups, Brendan Goldsmith, Lutz Strungmann

Articles

We introduce a new class of fully transitive and transitive Abelian p-groups and study the new concept of weak transitivity which is the missing link between full transitivity and transitivity.

Computational Trust In Web Content Quality: A Comparative Evalutation On The Wikipedia Project, Pierpaolo Dondio

Articles

The problem of identifying useful and trustworthy information on the World Wide Web is becoming increasingly acute as new tools such as wikis and blogs simplify and democratize publication. It is not hard to predict that in the future the direct reliance on this material will expand and the problem of evaluating the trustworthiness of this kind of content become crucial. The Wikipedia project represents the most successful and discussed example of such online resources. In this paper we present a method to predict Wikipedia articles trustworthiness based on computational trust techniques and a deep domain-specific analysis. Our assumption is …

Legal Commitments And Religious Commitments, Jospeh Vining

Articles

In his elegant and accessible new book, Law's Quandary, Steven Smith groups our various senses of what is real for us into ontological families: the mundane; the scientific, including mathematics; and the religious. These supply "lumberyards," as it were, for thought and discussion about the world and action in it. Law itself is not one of them. Those involved in law, as citizens or professionals practicing law or speaking for or about law, are presented in the book as looking out from law to the ontological resources available in the lumberyards he describes.

Double-Consciousness In Constitutional Adjudication, Richard A. Primus

Articles

Constitutional theorists are familiar with epistemic and consequentialist reasons why judges might allow their decision making to be shaped by strongly held public opinion. The epistemic approach treats public opinion as an expert indicator, while the consequentialistapproach counsels judges to compromise legally correct interpretations so as not to antagonize a hostile public. But there is also a third reason, which we can think ofas constitutive. In limited circumstances, the fact that the public strongly holds a given view can be one of the factors that together constitute the correct answer to a constitutional question. In those circumstances, what the public …

Improved Nitrate Sensing Using Ion Selective Electrodes Based On Urea–Calixarene Ionophores, Benjamin Schazmann, Dermot Diamond

Articles

Urea–calix[4]arenes 1 and 2 were synthesised and incorporated into ISE membranes for assessment as sensors for inorganic anions in water. 1 revealed a strong response to all anions following the Hofmeister selectivity order. For ISEs of 2, the response to a portion of the anion series was suppressed, increasing the margin of selectivity of nitrate over chloride, a common interferant of nitrate in fresh and marine water samples. The performance of ISEs containing 2 was compared to commercially available alkylammonium nitrate ion-exchange salts used for nitrate sensing. Our ISEs performed favourably in terms of sensitivity, linear range and LOD performing …

A Novel Tio2 / Pvc Layer For Use In A Photoelectrochemical Cell, Faiza Touati, John Cassidy, Kevin Mcguigan

Articles

A novel method of coating titanium dioxide on a glassy carbon electrode as a polyvinylchloride composite , is described. On illumination , there is an enhanced voltammetric current at this TiO2/PVC composite in aqueous formic acid solution. This electrode is used as the basis of a formic acid fuel cell where oxygen is reduced at a platinum cathode. The system yields 100 cm-2 for 0.01 mol dm-3 HCOOH in 0.1 mol dm-3 NaOH under illumination from a 150 W xenon lamp. The current without illumination is 0.5 cm-2.

Patent Symmetry, Alan L. Durham

Articles

The patent system suggests a natural symmetry if nonobvious changes are enough to distinguish a patentable invention from the prior art then further nonobvious changes should be enough to avoid infringing the patent Logical as this seems the courts have adopted the notoriously difficult standard of insubstantial differences rather than nonobviousness as the ultimate test of infringement In this article I consider the possibility of a genuinely symmetrical patent system and find the difficulties profound However I conclude that a semisymmetrical adaptation of the nonobviousness standard of patentability could provide a superior infringement analysis an analysis more objective in application …

Internet Protocol Television (Iptv): The Killer Application For The Next-Generation Internet, Yang Xiao, Xiaojiang Du, Jingyuan Zhang

Articles

Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) will be the killer application for the next-generation Internet and will provide exciting new revenue opportunities for service providers. However, to deploy IPTV services with a full quality of service (QoS) guarantee, many underlying technologies must be further studied. This article serves as a survey of IPTV services and the underlying technologies. Technical challenges also are identified.

Application Of Soft Computing Techniques To Estimate The Effective Young's Modulus Of Thin Film Materials, Ajay Pasupuleti, Ferat Sahin

Articles

This research aims at characterizing and predicting the Young’s Modulus of thin film materials that are utilized in Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS). Recent studies indicate that the mechanical properties such as Young’s Modulus of thin films are significantly different from the bulk values. Due to the lack of proper understanding of the physics in the micro-scale domain the state-of-art estimation techniques are unreliable and often unfit for use for predicating the mechanical behavior of slight modifications of existing designs as well as new designs. This disadvantage limits the MEMS designers to physical prototyping which is cost ineffective and time consuming. As …

More Complex Photogrammetry Projects, Andrew Davidhazy

Articles

Photography can be used for more than simply recording subjects and this article describes how it might be used in a science classroom as the basis for making measurements "on a shoestring". Added here in April 2007 although probably written in the early 1980s.

A Gambling Paradox: Why An Origin-Neutral 'Zero-Quota' Is Not A Quota Under Gats Article Xvi, Donald H. Regan

Articles

In US-Gambling, the Appellate Body held that an origin-neutral prohibition on remote gambling (which is how they mostly viewed the United States law) was "in effect" a "zero-quota", and that such a "zero-quota" violated GATS Article XVI:2. That holding has been widely criticized, especially for what critics refer to as the Appellate Body's "effects test". This article argues that the Appellate Body's "in effect" analysis is not an "effects test" and is not the real problem. The real mistake is regarding a so-called "zero-quota" as a quota under Article XVI. That is inconsistent with the ordinary meaning of the word …

A New Approach To The Toxicity Testing Of Carbon-Based Nanomaterials: The Clonogenic Assay, Eva Herzog, Alan Casey, Fiona Lyng, Gordon Chambers, Hugh Byrne, Maria Davoren

Articles

The cellular toxicity of three types of carbon nanoparticles, namely HiPco® single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT), arc dischargeSWCNTand Printex 90 carbon black nanoparticles,was studied on three different cell models including the human alveolar carcinoma epithelial cell line (A549), the normal human bronchial epithelial cell line (BEAS-2B) and the human keratinocyte cell line (HaCaT) using the clonogenic assay. Carbon nanomaterials are known to interact with colorimetric indicator dyes frequently used in cytotoxicity assays. By employing the clonogenic assay, any such interactions could be avoided, allowing a more reliable method for the in vitro toxicity assessment of carbon-based nanoparticles. It could be shown …

An Experiment Using A Simple Photoassisted Fuel Cell Designed To Remediate Simulated Wastewater, John Cassidy, Faisa Touati, Kevin Mcguigan

Articles

Work in photochemistry work peaked in the 1980’s where there was the prospect of using sunlight shining on suspensions of titanium dioxide in order to catalytically cleave water into hydrogen and oxygen [1-5]. In this way a clean and efficient method of producing hydrogen as a fuel was envisaged. However, there was a requirement to use a rather high energy light to achieve the splitting and it was not as efficient with visible light[5]. Doped TiO2 layers have been used in a three electrode system for formic acid degradation[6]. In this work, the system uses an electrode coated with TiO2 …

A Note On Clean Abelian Groups, Brendan Goldsmith, P. Vamos

Articles

Nicholson defined a ring to be clean if every element is the sum of a unit and an idempotent. A module is clean if its endomorphism algebra is clean. We show that torsion-complete Abelian p-groups are clean and characterize the clean groups among the class of totally projective p-groups. An example is given of a clean p-group which is neither totally projective nor torsion- complete

Optimising The Ratio Of Horseradish Peroxidase And Glucose Oxidase On A Bienzyme Electrode: Comparison Of A Theoretical And Experimental Approach, Dana Mackey, Anthony Killard, Adriano Ambrosi, Malcolm Smyth

Articles

This study compares the behaviour of an electrochemical enzyme biosensor with a theoretical analysis based on a mathematical model and numerical simulation. The biosensor is based on a bi-enzyme channelling configuration, employing the enzymes glucose oxidase and horseradish peroxidase, with direct electron transfer of horseradish peroxidase at a conducting polymer electrode. This was modelled by a system of partial differential equations and boundary conditions representing convective and diffusive transport of the substrates glucose and hydrogen peroxide, as well as reaction kinetics of the bienzyme electrode. The main parameter investigated was the ratio of the two immobilised enzymes, with the aim …

Conformal And Geometric Properties Of The Camassa-Holm Hierarchy, Rossen Ivanov

Articles

Integrable equations with second order Lax pair like KdV and Camassa-Holm (CH) exhibit interesting conformal properties and can be written in terms of the so-called conformal invariants (Schwarz form). These properties for the CH hierarchy are discussed in this ontribution. The squared eigenfunctions of the spectral problem, associated to the Camassa-Holm equation represent a complete basis of functions, which helps to describe the Inverse Scattering Transform (IST) for the Camassa-Holm hierarchy as a Generalised Fourier Transform (GFT). Using GFT we describe explicitly some members of the CH hierarchy, including integrable deformations for the CH equation. Also we show that solutions …

Digital Watermarking And Self-Authentication Using Chirp Coding, Jonathan Blackledge

Articles

This paper discusses a new approach to ‘watermarking’ digital signals using linear frequency modulated or ‘chirp’ coding. The principles underlying this approach are based on the use of a matched filter to provide a reconstruction of a chirped code that is uniquely robust, i.e. in the case of very low signal-to-noise ratios.

Chirp coding for authenticating data is generic in the sense that it can be used for a range of data types and applications (the authentication of speech and audio signals, for example). The theoretical and computational aspects of the matched filter and the properties of a chirp are …

Modelling And Computer Simulation Of Radar Screening Using Plasma Clouds, Jonathan Blackledge

Articles

Following a brief introduction on the principles of screening an aerospace vehicle using a plasma, we develop models for the Impulse Response Functions (IRFs) associated with microwave (Radar) back-scattering from a strong and weakly ionized plasma screen. In the latter case, it is shown that the strength of the return signal is determined by an IRF that is characterised by the simple negative exponential exp(−σ₀t/Є₀) where σ₀ is the average conductivity of the plasma, Є₀ is the permittivity of free space and t is the two-way travel time. For a weakly ionized plasma, the …

Discontinuous Change In The Smectic Layer Thickness In Ferrielectric Liquid Crystals, V. P. Panov, J. K. Vij, Yuri Panarin, C. Blanc, V. Lorman, J. W. Goodby

Articles

The temperature dependence of the thickness of thick free-standing films is studied using a high-resolution film thickness measurement technique. A small discontinuity in the temperature dependence of the smectic layer thickness at every phase transition between ferro-, ferri-, and antiferroelectric phases is observed. We show that the major contribution to it arises from a change in the smectic tilt angle.

The Role Of Spontaneous Polarization And The Thickness Of Alignment Layers On The V-Shaped Switching In Flc Cells, V. Manjuladevi, J.K. Vij, Yuri Panarin

Articles

Ferroelectric liquid crystal mixtures with the various values of spontaneous polarizations were prepared, and the substrates were coated with different thicknesses of aligning agent. The frequency dependence of the electrooptic response of these materials in cells with various thickness of alignment layers has been measured. The coercive voltage as well as the contrast ratios are calculated. Our results support the ‘‘electrostatic model’’, according to which both the value of spontaneous polarization and the thickness of the alignment layer play important roles in the V-shaped switching.

Colour Doppler Spatial Resolution Performance Testing, Jacinta Browne, Ian Brown, Peter Hoskins, Amanda Watson, Alex Elliott

Articles

No abstract available

Thermal Effectiveness Characteristics Of Low Approach Indirect Evaporative Cooling Systems In Buildings, Ben Costelloe, Donal Finn

Articles

Meteorological enthalpy analysis of temperate and maritime climates above latitude 45°N suggests that the water-side evaporative cooling technique has considerable unrealised potential with contemporary “high temperature” building cooling systems—such as chilled ceilings and displacement ventilation. As low approach conditions are the key to exploiting the cooling potential of the ambient air, thermal performance at such conditions needs to be investigated. To address the research issues, an industrial scale test rig, based on a low approach open cooling tower and plate heat exchanger and designed to maximise evaporative cooling potential, has been constructed. The thermal effectiveness of such systems (as a …

Quantum Dot Energy Relaxation Mediated By Plasmon Emission In Doped Covalent Semiconductor Heterostructures, A. V. Fedorov, Anna Baranov, I. D. Rukhlenko, T. S. Perova, Kevin Berwick

Articles

The interaction between interface plasmons within a doped substrate and quantum dot electrons or holes has been theoretically studied in double heterostructures based on covalent semiconductors. The interface plasmon modes, the corresponding dispersion relationship, and the intraband carrier relaxation rate in quantum dots are reported. We find the critical points in the interface plasmon density of states for multilayered structures results in enhanced quantum dot intraband carrier relaxation when compared to that for a single heterostructure. A detailed discussion is made of the relaxation rate and the spectral position dependencies on the quantum dot layer thickness as well as on …

An Approach To Unification Using A Linear Systems Model For The Propagation Of Broad-Band Signals, Jonathan Blackledge

Articles

We review the inhomogeneous scalar Helmholtz equation in three-dimensions and the scattering of scalar wavefields from a scatterer of compact support. An asymptotic solution is then considered representing the effect of the frequency approaching zero when a ‘wavefield’ reduces to a ‘field’. The characteristics of ultra-low frequency Helmholtz scattering are then considered and the physical significance discussed of a model that is based on the scattering of Helmholtz wavefields over a broad frequency spectrum. This is equivalent to using a linear systems approach for modelling the propagation, interaction and detection of broad-band signals and provides an approach to the classification …

Diffusion And Fractional Diffusion Based Models For Multiple Light Scattering And Image Analysis, Jonathan Blackledge

Articles

This paper considers a fractional light diffusion model as an approach to characterizing the case when intermediate scattering processes are present, i.e. the scattering regime is neither strong nor weak. In order to introduce the basis for this approach, we revisit the elements of formal scattering theory and the classical diffusion problem in terms of solutions to the inhomogeneous wave and diffusion equations respectively. We then address the significance of these equations in terms of a random walk model for multiple scattering. This leads to the proposition of a fractional diffusion equation for modelling intermediate strength scattering that is based …

Characteristics Of Cooked Chickpeas And Soybeans During Combined Microwave–Convective Hot Air Drying, Aoife Gowen, Nissreen Abu-Ghannam, Jesus Maria Frias, Jorge Oliveira

Articles

Moisture content, shrinkage, water activity (Aw), color and texture of cooked chickpeas and soybeans during convective, microwave and combined microwave–convective drying were studied. Combined drying was significantly (P < 0.05) faster than either convective or microwave drying, and resulted in less shrinkage of the dehydrated product. Rapid burning occurred when samples were dried below a Aw of 0.27 ± 0.07 for chickpeas (P < 0.05), and 0.13 ± 0.04 for soybeans (P < 0.05). Both chickpeas and soybeans displayed a transitional behavior in texture when dried to a Aw below 0.40 ± 0.10 (P < 0.05) for chickpeas, and below 0.63 ± 0.15 (P < 0.05) for soybeans, when samples became brittle. Shelf stable dehydrated chickpea and soybean products with low water activity (Aw = 0.35) and good visual quality could be obtained within 14 min of combination drying.

Simultaneous Modelling Of The Thermal Degradationa Kinetics Of Pectin, Daniel Rico, Ana Belen Martin-Diana, Catherine Barry-Ryan, Gary Henehan, Jesus Maria Frias

Articles

The thermal degradation kinetics of pectin methylesterase (PME) from carrot and lettuce were studied. Fresh extracts were exposed to temperatures from 55 to 70 °C until the enzyme was inactivated. A model based on the presence of two forms of the enzyme, one active and one non-active, is proposed. The natural variability of the PME activity was taken into the model in the form of normally distributed random effects. The common model parameters obtained (cleavage constant (0.0395±0.0062 s⁻¹), degradation constant (0.556±0.112 s⁻¹), cleavage energy of activation (469±23 kJ mol⁻¹) and degradation energy of activation …

Ef Fi Cacy Of Steamer Jet-Injection As Alternative To Chlorine In Fresh-Cut Lettuce, Daniel Rico, Ana Belen Martin-Diana, Jesus Maria Frias, J. Barat, Gary Henehan, Catherine Barry-Ryan

Articles

The use of calcium lactate solutions has been shown to be a healthy alternative to chlorine washing in order to maintain the shelf-life of fresh-cut products. The aim of this research was to analyse the effects of calcium lactate (15 g L⁻¹) treatment at 25 °C and 50 °C (heat-shock) on the textural properties of sliced carrots and to compare those with the chlorine treatment (120 mg L⁻¹) widely used in industry. Several direct and indirect markers of textural changes in carrots during storage were used: Instron textural analysis, Cryo-SEM and optical microscopic, sensory analysis, pectin …

Efficacy Of Steamer Jet-Injection As Alternative To Chlorine In Fresh-Cut Lettuce, Ana Belen Martin-Diana, Daniel Rico, Catherine Barry-Ryan, Jesus Maria Frias, Gary Henehan, J. Barat

Articles

Short-time steam processing was used as an alternative to chlorine (100 mg L⁻¹) in sanitising fresh-cut lettuce. Quality (pH, water content, colour, potential browning, browning-related enzymes and texture), safety (mesophilic counts) and antioxidant markers (ascorbic and carotenoids) were monitored in lettuce stored for 10 days at 4 °C. The steam treatment produced a shocking effect on lettuce metabolism, showing a significant (p < 0.05) reduction in respiration (from day 3 to 7) and a partial inactivation of browning-related enzymes. Both effects were reflected in a significant reduction of browning. From a safety point of view, steam treatment kept the mesophilic load as low as chlorine treatment, and significantly lowers than the water control. However, antioxidant content, especially ascorbic acid but also carotenoids in a lower degree, showed a reduction compared with chlorine-treated samples. Despite the lower visual browning in steam-treated samples, the sensory panel scored similar values of acceptability and fresh appearance for both samples similarity.